Emmy: Natalie posted the information about the 14 types on her review of the conference. The speaker was Christine Kessler. I can’t find the info on this either. I don’t think anyone can. Kessler’s email doesn’t work. BTW I don’t know anything about the 38 genes. Do you have a link for that? Thanks Joanne
Actually, this just lists some 38 genes that have been implicated in T2 diabetes. Ralph DeFronzo suggests that there are eight separate defects that are involved in T2 diabetes. He describes them in his 2008 paper.
Gosh this is all so confusing! Yesterday I read the “Joslin Type 1 Diabetes Study…Update” posted by Richard 157. I had no idea that people surviving for over 50 years with T1 could still produce insulin. What does it mean? Are there different types of Type 1 now? I found it amazing but no one else commented. Am I missing something?
Yes, I’ve read the same thing, that Type 1’s can continue to produce some insulin, but not enough to make any difference. The main difference between type 1 and type 2 is not rate of onset but presence of antibodies (type 1) and presence of insulin resistance (type 2- but type 1’s can develop it over time). Not all Type 1’s have rapid onset, for example LADAs which are just a subset of Type 1 that has a much slower onset - months perhaps even years.
@Peetie: If you look at the full study, the insulin production was minimal. The study says 67.4% had “detectable” c-peptide levels, which meant anything of 0.03 nmol/l or above. I’m not sure what the normal range is, but 0.03 nmol/l seems extremely low. Only 7.5% had a c-peptide level above 0.1 nmol/l, and only 2.6% had a level above 0.2 nmol/l.
I actually found the study a really interesting read!
The exciting part, though, is that the study provides evidence that in Type 1s the beta cells are continually being produced and then destroyed by the autoimmune attack. Theoretically, if there was a way to turn off the autoimmune attack, the cells might be able to regenerate themselves so that Type 1 would be cured or at least easier to control.
Jen: I too think that one of the exciting parts is the regeneration of the cells.
I also found this interesting "organ donation has already shown that there is a factor protecting Medalists’ insulin producing cells. Currently, we have promising findings from after death gifts of kidney(s), eyes, and a small skin sample regarding protection from some complications. We are fortunate to have colleagues here at the Joslin who are experts in studying proteins and can help us determine what is different in the tissues of those with and without a complication. Although we have some interesting findings, we cannot say anything conclusively as we need to study more tissues to make sure we are correct. "
It would be wonderful if something could be found to help the many children who are now being diagnosed. If they can even find the factor which prevents complications that would be good too. 